A Sonic Interview: Ott

In preparation for Sonic Bloom, Sensible Reason was lucky enough to get a few moments from Ott, legendary British producer and electronic extraordinaire. He gave us some insight into his world and shared some his expectations for the amazing summer ahead.

Tee Tay: First of all, I’d like to thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions. Your last show in Denver at the Summit Music Hall with D.V.S* and Govinda left us all shaking with anticipation for your return to Colorado. With that being said, we’re all excited for Sonic Bloom, but you have a full, exciting summer tour ahead of you. With the wide range of artists that you’ll be sharing so many stages with, what are you most looking forward to this summer and why?

Ott: For me festivals are not about the artists or even the music to any great degree. I’m more about meeting people, hanging out with my friends and soaking in the atmosphere – that ‘thing’ you only really get at festivals. I always end up with a new favourite band but living, as I do, in a weird rural cultural bubble on a rainy island off the north-west of Europe, I have no idea who they’ll be until I get there.

TT: With so many events this summer and so many new sounds erupting in the electronic music world, what is your biggest challenge as a producer of your caliber on tour?

Ott: Not dying from malnutrition or atherosclerosis. It’s not so bad out west or in places like Boulder or Fort Collins but when I’m touring and living in airports or that huge chunk of the country which exists around freeway intersections, nutrition is a real problem. It takes willpower and resolve not to get sucked into the living hell of cheeseburgers, bottomless fries and endless soda refills but I manage, by and large. Neighbourhood wholefood co-ops keep me alive and you have plenty of those in the towns I visit.

Everything else is really easy.

TT: It’s been quite the wait, but I hear your brand new studio was recently finished. What features of the studio are you most excited about? Have you been hard at work creating music? Have you brought in any artists to collaborate sounds?

I’ve already spent a week in there with my friends Matt, Chris and Nick [drums, bass and vocals/guitar/keys] recording new live versions of my songs and I have to say I’m completely blown away by how well the studio has come together. The acoustics are perfect, the ergonomics are perfect and the atmosphere is just what I hoped it would be.

Loads of projects planned but first I want to get going on a new album and prepare for my upcoming ‘live band’ tour in October, with Matt, Chris and Nick.

TT: You seem to have incredible involvement with social media sites and keeping your fans updated with the latest Ott magic. With the incredible ability Facebook and other social media sites have to build a fanbase and spread artist news, events and music like wildfire, how do you feel about the effect of the social media network on the music industry and vice versa?

Ott: It has loosened the stranglehold of the major record and media companies and allowed people like me to get directly in touch with the people who like what we do. It’s a fantastic time to be making music.

TT: This year has been full of creativity and amazing presentation from you and the rest of the electronic world. With half of 2012 left, what are your goals and anticipations for the rest of this already epic year?

Ott: To get my band rehearsed and ready for touring, to start a new album and to catch up on all the requests for remixes I’ve had to decline during the last 12 months.

TT: Thank you so much for your time. I’m extremely excited to hear your sonic soundscapes up in the Colorado mountains. This interview will be incorporated into my Sensible Reason artist spotlight of Ott for the buildup to Sonic Bloom.

The Sensible Reason team is heading up to Shadows Ranch in Georgetown, Colorado Thursday afternoon and will be capturing the magic for all you electronic enthusiasts! Keep an eye out for more Sonic Spotlights following the festival.

Sonic Bloom is this weekend, June 21 – 24, at Shadows Ranch in Georgetown, Colorado. Tickets are going fast, so get yours now at www.sonicbloomfestival.com/

Tee Tay (Teresa Taylor of Proper Perceptions) has been a dedicated Sensible Reason contributor since 2011. As a Master of Architecture, lover of music dance and creative expression, and The Ambassador of Fun - her interests and passions embody all things aesthetically lovely and creative. As founder, Boss Lady and creative mind behind Proper Perceptions, she ventures and experiments with many visually stimulating mediums, including photography, spray paints and layering templates, and psychedelic graphic art and photo-editing. Her photography experience ranges from architectural captures from world-wide adventures, to thorough and professional site documentation, to capturing musicians passionate live show facial expressions and covering the full festival experience with her trusty Nikon D90. Most of her time outside of work is spent deep in and around the music and festival scene, as well as taking significant time with nature and outdoor adventures. She is thrilled to be able to continue her work with Sensible Reason - the ultimate dream team.